Burnt Cabins Man Deemed Sexually Violent Predator

Kerlin Burnt Cabins resident Warren David Kerlin III was described by friends and family in letters to the court as “helpful, an excellent chef, an animal lover and a good, but stern, father.”

On Tuesday, Kerlin was described in a much different manner when the Fulton County Court of Common Pleas handed down a “sexual violent predator” designation that will require lifetime registration with Megan’s Law, monthly treatment for the remainder of his life and community notifications.

The designation was ordered by President Judge Douglas Herman following an assessment hearing during which expert witnesses, Herbert Hays of the state Sexual Offender Assessment Board and psychiatrist Dr. John Hume, testified on behalf of the commonwealth and defense respectively as to Kerlin’s sexual deviance and mental abnormalities.

Hays stated Kerlin utilized his authority or relationship with the victim to ensure compliance. Hays made further reference to the condition “paraphilia” and pointed out its up to the affected individual to be able to control their urges.

Dr. Hume noted Kerlin was “emotionally drained and destroyed” by what he had done.

On the heels of the lengthy hearing, Judge Herman sentenced Kerlin to a total of 10 to 20 years in a state correctional institution for rape by forcible compulsion, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault. Credit was granted for time served since his incarceration in the Franklin County Jail began March 22 in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Several months prior, Kerlin, 50, had entered a guilty-plea to four of the 1,260 criminal charges that were filed by Pennsylvania State Police in McConnellsburg when a teenage victim told a trusted friend, who in turn alerted authorities to the ongoing, sexual misconduct. The indiscretions are believed to have occurred between September 2010 and March 2013.

Fulton County Public Defender Dwight Harvey pointed out in court proceedings this week that Kerlin was adamant about not making the victim testify in court proceedings. Harvey referred to this lone criminal incident as an “aberration” as his client had never done anything like this in his past.

Kerlin stated if going to jail would result in additional treatment, then he would not balk at the opportunity for help. He noted he still doesn’t know why he committed the criminal acts and added he was willing to do whatever it would take to make it right.

The judge told Kerlin, of 24941 Tannery Road, the why in this case was not important. What was important, however, was the fact that it did happen, Herman said.